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ZEMBUCA; 

OR, THE 

NET-MAKER AND HIS WIFE: 

A DRAMATIC ROMANCE, 

IN TWO AQTS;. 

AS PERFORMED AT THE 

THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN. 



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J? 

BY I. POCOCK, ESQ. 

Author of John of Paris, For England, ho ! &c, 

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NEW-YORK : 

PUBLISHED BY D. LONGWORTHj 

At the Dramatic Repository, 

Shaksfteare- Gallery . 

Jan. 1816* 



DRAMATIS PERSON/E, 



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Zembuca, the sultan, 




Mr. Farley 


Selim, aga of the janissaries, 




Mr. Abbott 


Korac, confidant of Zembuca, and 


} 


Mr. Terry 


governor of the household, 


Mirza, the net-maker, 




Mr. Emery 


Buffardo, superintendant of slaves, 
purse-bearer, &c. 


} 


Mr, Liston 


Abdallah, 




Mr. Howell 


Cryer, 




Mr. Atkins 


Hasan, 




Mr. King 


Salic, 




Mr. Tinney 


Malic, 




Mr. Duruset 


Tasner, 




Mr. Norris 


The spear-guard, 




Mr. Jefferies 


Sentinel, 




Mr. Lewis 



Almazaide, the betrothed wife of "> Miss Booth 

Selim, 3 

Ebra, the wife of Mirza, Mrs Gibbs 

Katcheka, a slave, Miss Carew 

Guards, Slaves, &c. 

Principal dancers— miss Lupino, mrs. Parker, and mr 
Soissons. 



scene-— in Persia. 




4 0^41 



ZEMBUCA. 



S0 

3 



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ACT I. 



scene I — an arcade in the palace of Zembuca — the 
gardens of the harem seen beyond ; and, in the 
distance, the river, with the outskirts of the city— 
Tasnei% Salic, Malic, with other slaves, are dis* 
covered, with implements of gardening, and ad- 
vance as the curtain rises. 

TRIO. 

When the sun through the cypress grove 

Chequers the dewy glade, 
The freeman warms to life and love— - 

We pine beneath the shade. 



Drearily beams the light 

On the man, by man oppress'd ; 
Cheerily falls the night, 

When the slave may sink to rest. 



When the moon rides through the skies, 

Sleep lulls the captive's pain ; 
When she sets again, we rise 

To feel a galling chain. 

CHORUS. 

Drearily beams, &c. 

enter mirza, with a bundle of nets, which he bears 
on a staff across his shoulder. 

Mir. So, have I found you at last ? by the faith 
of a true mussulman, and a net-maker, you are a 



4 ZEMBUCA. yL [Pocock 

precious idle set — if Zembuca finds you at this sport, 
he'll accompany your music with an instrument but 
little to your taste. 

.Kat. Ah, massa Mirza, dat you ? 

Mir. Yes, all that's left of me. I'm half melted 
with the heat of the sun. Here have I been prowling 
round the garden with a load enough \o break the 
back of a camel, and after all, find you regaling your- 
selves with a concert, like so many blackbirds in a 
grove. 

Kat. We only sing to cheat time. 

Mir. Cheat time ! you have no business to cheat 
any body. 

Kat. Ah, massa Mirza, if you were slave, and 
work all day long, you soon find how time would 
hang. 

Mir. But if I were to sing all day long, I should 
soon find how the sultan could hang. Here, take 
these nets, and string 'em upon the cherry-trees, or 
perhaps Zembuca will string you up instead. 

[shouts heard without — slaves take the nets as 
korac enters. 

Ko. To your work ! to your work ! know you not 
Zembuca comes ? {slaves shrink back) Begone ! [ex- 
eunt slaves."] They are too mean to be the agents of 
his cruelty ; but I, above the common race of slaves, 
am picked from out the herd, a chosen tool for villany 
to work with. 

Mir. He seems disturbed. — Korac ! 

Ko. How now, fellow ! 

Mir, Fellow ! 

Ko. Mirza ! honest Mirza, pardon me, I'm angry, 
agitated. — Oh, Zembuca, when will thy reign of ty- 
ranny expire ? 

Mir. What has happened ? 

Ko. Another act of cruelty is added to the list — an- 
other victim 

Mir. Another i whom ? 



Act I] ^EMBUCA. 5 

Ko. Almazaide, the betrothed wife of Selim, is 
now a prisoner in the palace. Jealous of the rising 
popularity and power of his general, this hypocrite, 
Zembuca, has. formed a plot to crush his devoted 
friend. 

Mir. Impossible \ \ 

Ko. 'Tis true — by this 'time accomplished — Selim 
has met the rebels, and the battle's lost. How lost ? 
by the base contrivance of this tyrant. The supplies 
which he so long had promised, were, to my know- 
ledge, kept purposely back ; the reinforcements se- 
cretly detained, that inevitable defeat might cover 
the noble name of Selim with dishonour — oh ! 'twas 
deep laid — but his crimes may yet be punished. 

Mir. I fear it : who will discover crimes in one so 
great ? 

Ko. All the world : the brighter the lustre of the 
jewel, «the more obvious are the spots that deface it. 

Mir. But who will dare speak of them to one so 
powerful ? 

Ko. I — I dare speak of them, (march, fiiano, with- 
out) — But he comes — you must not be seen. 

Mir, Oh, if the sultan's to be here, the sooner I 
am off the better — I never wish to be seen in bad 
company. [exit 

Ko. Zembuca's tyranny increases daily ; the pride 
of power, urged by the fear of losing it, drives him 
to acts of desperate oppression. Selim shall not be 
his victim ! This paper, which I have hastily writ- 
ten, I must try to get conveyed to him, — 'twill warn 
the devoted youth of the danger that awaits him, 
from the treachery of him whom he believes his 
friend. O, Zembuca, there is a secret, which, once 
disclosed, hurls thee from the throne thy tyranny pol- 
lutes, and (^procession enters J Enough ! 

{the guards ) nvith royal band, advance and Jill the 
stage — officers, and zembuca.] 

Zem. Give instant orders that the aga Selim, he 
who has betrayed our trust, and sold his victory to 
the rebels, be proscribed throughout the city. Should 
A 2 



6 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

he dare enter it, ten thousand sequins shall reward 
the hand that gives him to my vengeance. See it 
proclaimed, \exit officer] Here I confirm the sen- 
tence of his banishment, — this shall be delivered by 
a special messenger. 

Ko. This writing was well prepared. (aside) 

Zem. Ah ! Korac — {to guards) — Retire ! {exeunt 
guards) Now, Korac, speak comfort to thy prince — 
say, is Almazaide mine I 

Ko. Yours ! — Almazaide is within the palace. 

Zem. Then rest my heart in peace. 

Ko. It will not — remember Selim — remember her 
intended husband. Allah forbids his heart to rest in 
peace, who has destroyed his friend. 

Zem. Slave 1 — dar'st thou mean 

Ko. Even what I spoke. 

Zem. This from you, whom I have cherished as a 
favourite, exalted as a friend ! 

Ko. If as a favourite, as a friend, you deny my 
privilege to do you service, by speaking truth in the 
cause of virtue, — seeking to make me great, you 
have made me base. 

Zem. Do you defend the aga ? 

Ko. I would protect him ! — Zembuca, hear me. 
When I became your prisoner, and your servant, I 
had fallen in battle beneath the arm of your much- 
injured friend, the aga Selim. I was wounded, and 
without hope ; but compassion rose in the bosom of 
my conqueror, and scorning to strike his fallen ene- 
my, he preserved me. At his own peril he bore me 
from the field in safety, and to yourself resigned me, 
to be your slave. 'Tis true, you lightened the chains 
of servitude, for you found my ministry useful, and I 
became your confidant — remember — your confidant ! 
In your presence and in mine, the late vizier Ali ex- 
pired — to his last moments we both were privy, and 
you now possess the throne of Persia. I have been 
faithful, for you had made me your friend, and I felt 
gratitude. I was your slave too, and therefore bound 
to secrecy ; but slaves have feeling, which, when ty- 



Act I] ZEMBUCA. 7 

ranny grows wanton with them> can speakln voice 
of awful admonition to the oppressor. Your com- 
mands in sorrowing duty I perform, but never — never 
shall the heart of Korac forget its gratitude to Selim, 
for the life he saved. 

Zem. Indeed I I'll rid you of the burthen, then — 
this paper waits your signature — when 'tis done, 
give it to my hand again. 

Ko. I shall obey. Fortunate chance ! — Could I 
but send my own in place of this. I must attempt it, 
or the noble Selim's lost. [exit 

enter abdallah. 

Ab. The superintendant of the slaves, and purse- 
bearer to the lower household, waits without, to sa- 
lute your highness on his appointment. 

Zem. The man who served the late vizier as jester ? 

Ab. The same ; but it is my duty to forewarn 
your highness, that, though unfit to fill his former 
station, he retains a freedom and a levity of speech, 
that ill becomes a royal presence. 

Zem. No matter, admit him. {exit Abdallah] 
Fools that talk most, deceive the least. I may have 
employment for him. 

enter buff ar do, attended. 

Zem, A dull visage for a jester — are you a man of 
merriment? 

Buf No truly, not I ; your highness has made me 
a purse-bearer, and that's a serious business. I was 
merry only while I had no money. 

Zem. What is your name ? 

Buf Buflfardo. 

Zem. And what weighty consideration induced you 
to change your mode of life ? 

Buf. It was the want of a weighty consideration ; 
my pockets were empty, so was my stomach — your 
highness has filled them both — I thank you. 

Zem. Can you be honest ? 

Buf Certainly ; you have made it worth my while. 



8 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

Zem. What can you do ? 

Buf. Every thing you bid me^ 

Zein. That shall be proved ; but are you qualified? 

Buf. For a place at court ? quite. I cau take good 
care of myself, make a long speech about nothing, 
nod my head as if there was something in it, and at- 
tend dinners at the shortest notice. 

Zem. Why did you not apply to be my jester ? 

Buf. I knew better—there is no want of fools at 
court. 

Zem. Will you be always in readiness? 

Buf. When there is any thing to be given away 

Zem. I give but little to such as thou art. 

Buf. If you give only to the wise, your majesty 
gives little indeed. 

Zem. All about my person are wise. 

Buf. Then you must be very thinly attended. 

Zem. Well, I admit you on trial. 

Buf Oh, bless you ! 

Zem. Take him hence, and attire him as becomes 
his station — go, fellow, and learn to imitate your su- 
periors. 

Buf. Let me once slip into the robes of office, Pil 
soon imitate them — I'll get a deputy to do my work, 
but take special care to receive the salary myself. 
Lead on, slaves. 

\exit BUFFARDO, ^fc. 

\ zembuca speaks with abdallah as korac en* 
ters at the side, with flayers] 
Ko. Now, Allah, prosper my design — they are su- 
perscribed alike ; but, should he read — 

Zem. So, — are my orders executed? — that dis- 
patch — 
Ko. Is here, sir — shall I deliver it ? 

[crosses zembuca, and prepares to change the 
papers] 

Zem. Hold ! let me see it. 
[korac delivers it, and in his agitation drops the 
false paper] 



Act /] ZEMBUCA. 9 

Right ! it contains the doom of Selim. Let it be for- 
warded without delay, (retiring J 

Ko. All's safe ! 

(putting the real paper in his bosom 

Ab. (advancing to the paper J Mighty sultan ! 

Ko. (perceiving it J Ah ! 

{stamps his foot upon it 

Zem. What now ? 

Ab. Here is a paper, sir. 

Ko. That — that I carelessly let fall (picks it up 
and shews it to zembuca) — Your dispatch. 

Zem. '< To Selim. " {reading) 

Ko. " Late Aga of the Janissaries" — with my of- 
ficial signature. 

Zem. 'Tis well. [exit zem. 

Ko. (to abdallah) Away instantly — forward that 
paper — 'tis by the sultan's order*— begone. 

[exit attendant 
My project has succeeded — I have preserved my 
friend. — Prophet of the just J thy spirit still direct 
me I [exit 

scene ii. — interior of mirza's cottage — a large 
window in the back — a door near the centre, and a 
closet on the other side : the whole afiartment fiic- 
turesque^ being occupied by the various imple- 
ments of net- making, &c— River andfortress seen 
through the window. 

[music'] 

enter ebra, with mesh and netting-needle ', as at 
work. 
Ebra. (throwing down her work J Just mid-day, 
and Mirza not come home 1 Why does he stay f 
Whenever he carries his nets to the palace, I am ne- 
ver easy till he returns. He hates Zembuca so cor- 
dially, and speaks his mind so freely, that I fear the 
indiscretion of his tongue may betray the secret work- 
ings of his heart. Would he were returned. 
[music] 



10 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

Mir. (as he enters) Wife ! Ebra ! 

Eb. Ah, my dear Mirza, why did you stay so 
long ? 

Mir To hear the news—there's the old work 
going on at the palace 

Eb. Indeed ! you tremble. 

Mir. Do I? 'tis with rage then. The aga Selim 
is banished, and Almazaide, whom he was to marry 
when he returned from the wars, penned up in the 
Harem. This Zembuca is the people's scourge, not 
their blessing ;, even Korac, his chief friend and fa- 
vourite, turns upon him at last. 

Eb. Mirza, remember, you are only a poor net- 
maker : — this is no business of yours. 

Mir. No business of mine ! 'tis every honest man's 
business, however humble his station, to set his face 
against tyranny and oppression. But come, let's to 
dinner, for I am vexed and weary. 

Eb, It is ail prepared. [a knock at the door.] 

Mir. Who can that be ? 

Eb 3 Tis at our door. 

Mir. Who knocks ? 

Voice. Enquire not, but open, I entreat you. Be 
speedy, or I am lost ! 

Eb. 'Tis the cry of distress. 

Mir. The cry of distress !— open the door. 
[music] 
1~e~bra opens the door, a n d selim enters — a Der- 

vise's cloak, in which, he is wrapped, falls back, 

and discovers his person. lie leans^ exhausted^ 

againsi the door> which he closes hastily'] 
Selim, the banished aga ! 

Sel. Be silent ! name me not, I implore you. 

Mir. Noble sir, why are you here i know you not 
the consequence ? 

Sel. Too well ; — and well I know the cause. 

Eb. Whatever be the cause, we are honoured by 
your presence. Joy and welcome to you, sir ! 

Sel. Joy I must never hope to find, 'till Almazaide 
be restored. Korac, by some friendly stratagem, ap- 
prized me of my danger ; he informed me too, (you 



Act I] ZEMBUCA. 11 

best can tell how truly,) that should I enter the city, 
I might find security in Mirza's cottage. 

Mir. Did he — did Korac say that ? his confidence 
has made me proud ! 

Eb. We rejoice in proving thus our gratitude ; — to 
Korac's kindness we owe all that we possess. 

Mir. How can we serve you ? 

SeL By suffering me to remain here 'till my pur- 
pose is accomplished. 

Mir. The house is yours ; and for want of a better, 
Til be your body-guard. 

Eb. And I, your servant. 

SeL Heaven will reward you — I cannot. 

[shouts heard without 
[music"] 

Eb. Is the door fast ? 
[selim rushes towards it, lays his hand upon the 

bolt, and with the other screens himself from 

the sight of the crowd, who are seen through the 

window surrounding the cryer] 

Eb. 'Tis the cryer — listen ! 

[mirza and ebra stand apart near the front 

Cryer. " Take notice, all good musselonen, that his 
u sublime highness the sultan Zembuca, having heard 
4i that Selim, the banished aga, is now concealed 
li within the city, proclaims, through me, sentence of 
" death, to all who may conceal him ; — and to those 
'* who may deliver him to the hands of justice, a re- 
" ward of ten thousand sequins." 
[the mob shout and follow the cryer — selim lifts 

his arms in despair, and watches the hesitation of 

mirza and ebra] 

Mir. Death to those who may conceal him ! — 

Eb. A reward for his discovery ! — 

Mir. Ten thousand sequins ! in old age a certain 
comfort. 

Eb. For my poor children what a change ! from 
poverty to splendid independence ! [catches the eye 
of mirza, who glances towards her] — Mirza,! 

Mir. Ebra ! [advancing towards her"} 



12 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

Sel. By Heaven, they hesitate ! 

Mir. Can those riches give comfort to our age, 
that have been obtained in our youth by the destruc- 
tion of a fellow-creature ? 

Eb. Can that wealth ever prosper, which is ex- 
tracted from the groans, perhaps the blood of a 
wretched captive? never ! 

Mir. Impossible ! 

Eb. Yet 'tis an immense sum ; and for us — 

Mir. It cannot purchase happiness — our days 
would pass — 

Eb. In unavailing repentance. 

Mir. Our nights — 

Eb. In agony inutterable. Yet think — 

Mir. I am resolved. 

Eb. Then Selim is — is — 

Mir. In safety ! 

Eb. Oh ! I am happy — [falls into mirza's awns] 

Sel. Bless them, Allah ! — yet, reflect, — this may 
lead you into danger. — 

Mir, You are in danger, and I shall not resign the 
chance of doing good for certain evil. 

Sel But, be cautious ; should your zeal in my be- 
half betray you — 

Mir. Fear not, noble sir — I'll mingle with the 
crowd, and bring you further information speedily. 
Ebra, should danger stir while I am absent, remem- 
ber the secret closet. You understand — 

Eb. I do. 

Mir. And above all, betray no apprehension. 

Eb. Rely on my discretion — taught by the exam- 
ple of my dear Mirza, I feel confident of success, and 
fearless of danger. 

J\Hr. The innocent always feel so. — Now let Zem- 
buca, in his pride of power, envy the feelings of a 
poor net-maker. 

[mirza exit 8 at door — selim and ebra at the side 
[Music.'] 



Act 7] ZEMBUCA. 13 

scene in. — inside the palace. 

enter buffardo in his new dress, followed by 
slaves^ who all chatter round him. 

Slaves. Ah ! Buffardo ! Buffardo ! massa Buf- 
fardo ! 

Buf. Silence, I say, silence ! [slaves fiause] hem ! 
— now let me inform you, who and what I am. 

Kat. Ah, we know very well — you massa Buf- 
fardo — you great man, you purse-bearer, and pay us 
for work. 

Buf. Yes, I am appointed your whipper-in, and 
shall pay you for idleness — look here ! {holding ufi a 
whifi) here's my badge of authority — [slaves draw 
back"] Why, you don't seem pleased, — instead of wel- 
coming your new master with smiles, your faces are 
as long and as black as a winter's night — have you no 
respect ? 

Kat. Oh, yes, massa, we plenty of respect. 

Buf. Plenty, have you ? you take care not to part 
with any of it, — you hav'n't decreased your original 
stock on my account — why don't you bend, you stiff- 
necked rascals? have you lived at court, and not 
learned common politeness ? [slaves all bow~\ ah ! 
that's all proper,— that's as it should be. — Now the% 
away to your employment ! abscond ! fly ! [exeunt 
slaves'] Poor devils ! to be sure it would be something 
out of my pocket, but, if I was a sovereign, curse 
me if I would not abolish that system altogether, and 
have this insignia of slavery burnt by the common 
hangman ! [throwing away the whifi] Now, after I 
have kissed hands on my appointment, I'll go and 
visit the blue-eyed Ebra, — the baggage jilted me for 
a net-maker— -I'll try if she'll refuse me now — it 
isn't every woman can resist fine clothes, a full purse, 
and — this figure ! {exit 

enter zembuc a, followed by korac, l?c. 

Zem. Bring him before us ! 

Ko. Mirza ! Mirza detained ! I'll answer with 
B 



14 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

my life for that man's honesty f dread sir, remember 
how many you have dismissed already, — the hopes of . 
your reward induce these slaves to seize on all, with- 
out discrimination. 

Zem. I will examine him at all events — let him 
appear. 

Ko. (aside) Now, Mirza, all must depend on you. 

mirza is brought in by guards, 

Zem. Are you the net-maker, whose name is Mir- 
za? 

Mir. Mirza is my name, and I'm a net-maker, 

Zem. Where do you dwell ? 

Mir, At present in Zembuca's palace — I'd rather 
dwell at home. 

Zem. Where is your home ? 

Mir. At a hut, on the banks of the river. 

Zem. Speak without equivocation. 

Mir. Why should I speak otherwise ? 

Zem. Do you know who and what lam? 

Mir. Thoroughly. 

Zem. Do you know Selim ? 

Mir. Still better. '■ 

Zem. Then you will not deny him ? 

Mir. Wherefore should 1 ? he is virtuous, upright, 
and just — I am proud to acknowledge all such. 

Zem. Tell me where he now is. 

Mir. Where I am — under the protection of Provi- 
dence. 

Zem. You answer boldly. 

Mir* Because I have never done an act to be 
ashamed of. 

Zem. I am told Selim is concealed by your means ; 
if, therefore, he does not appear within twelve hours, 
your life shall answer it. 

Mir. It will not. 

Zem. How I 

Mir. If you think by my means he may be dis- 
covered^ you will not despatch me till you get the se- 
cret. 



Act J] ZEMBUCA. 15 

Zem. Insolent reptile! convey him from my pre- 
sence. 

Mir. I thank your highness — that's the greatest 
favour you can do me. 

Zem. Korac, convey him to prison. 

Mirz. A prison \ me to prison ! you'll not sleep 
the sounder for that — my wife and children's cries 
will ring upon your ears, and vibrate to your heart ! 
Look that you hear them not. The prop that sup- 
ported a poor man's dwelling you have deprived 
them of. — Look that your own palace stands the 
firmer for it. 

Zem. Korac — to your care I confide him. See him 
well secured — [korac shows signs 'of joy, and exit 
with mirz a and guards] — 'Tis plain, this mans 
poverty could not resist so tempting a reward ; but 
to detain him till to-morrow, will assist my purpose 
with the gentle Ebra. — Buffardo ! 

buffardo enters. 

Buf. Here I am, most mighty sultan !— I've put on 
the peacock's feathers, and I flatter myself I shan't 
disgrace my calling. 

Zem. I am about to try that. Listen ! I have just 
sent to prison a man named Mirza. 

Buf. Mirza ! what, Mirza the net-maker ? 

Zem. You know him, then ? 

Buf I've heard of him — this is lucky, I shall have 
Ebra all to myself. Pray what may be his offence ? 

Zem. He claims a right in her, whose charms are 
worthy my possession. 

Buf What, Ebra ? — what, his wife ? — oh, lord ! 

Zem. Do you know her, too ? 

Buf Slightly, slightly, — a sort of how-d'ye-do and 
good-bye acquaintance. 

Zem. When last I took my rounds in disguise about 
the city, I beheld her for for the first and only time, 
but her beauty still remains impressed on my imagi- 
nation. Go, therefore, as my emissary, and prevail 
on her to return with you secretly to the harem. 



16 ZEMBUCA. [Poccck 

Buf. Your highness's seraglio must be but indif- 
ferently stocked, to be thus smitten with a poor net- 
maker's wife. 

Zem. No remarks! Depart! and as you succeed 
for me, so you will best serve yourself. [exit Zem. 

Buf. What a devil he is after the girls ! why, he's 
worse than 1 am, — the very morsel too with which I 
was going to regale myself. No matter, it shall be 
my turn by and by. Hang me if I don't have a se- 
raglio of my own, and strut among my beauties as 
grand as the best bantam of the brood. [exit Buf. 

scene iy. — the net-maker's cottage. ^ 

EfiRA and selim discovered. 

Sel. Ebra, kind Ebra ! do not feel thus alarmed. 

Kb. How can I feel otherwise ? he promised to re- 
turn immediately, arid now the sun's last ray gleams 
on the towers of the fortress. 

Sel. Dismiss your fears — had your husband teen 
suspected, they would long ere this have searched the 
house, and dragged me hence. 

Eb. That they shall never do ; I have yet means 
to baffle the strictest scrutiny — attend ! that closet is 
as deep within the wall as it projects beyond it — 
Mirza made it in the last war, to conceal our little 
property — in the centre is a false back, which opens 

by a spring see ! [as she opens it> a knock heard 

at the door\— Ah ! 'tis Mirza 1 

Sel. Stay ; it may not be Mirza. 

Eb. Who is there ? 

Buf. Open the door, and you'll see I'm a mes- 
senger from the sultan ! ( without ) 

Eb. From the sultan \ [music] 
[she opens the door y after making a sign to selim, 
who enters the closet. 

enter buffardo. 

-Now, sir, what is your business? 



Act I] ZEMBUCA. 17 

Buf Business ! do you take me for a tradesman ? 
I have just been made an ambassador — I'm a man of 
pleasure ! 

Eb. Sir ! you — you — why, surely, 'tis Buffardo ! 
Buf. Oh, yes, it's Buffardo, sure enough. Don't 
wonder at her not knowing me, poor thing ! for 
since I've put on the robes of office, I hardly know 
myself. 

Eb. 'Tis plain no ill has befallen Mirza, or he 
would be the first to tell it me. {aside) 

Buf You are astonished, hey ? now you see what 
you've lost by refusing me for that noodle of a net- 
maker ; a fellow without talents ; not at all fit for 
office. 

Eb. Quite as fit as a fellow who did nothing but 
ride a horse from morning till night round his father's 
mill. 

Buf Gently, gently, if you please, mrs. Ebra ; 
don't talk of what I was ; think of what I am — we 
have no memory at court for what we have been. 
Eb. Court ! ha ! ha ! you at co. rt 
Buf The first man in it ; and I bring you an invi- 
tation to be second favourite. 
Eb. What does he mean ? — me ! 
Buf Yes, you—the sparks from your eyes have 
caught the tinder of the sultan's heart, and lighted up 
such a blaze, that he says nobody can put it out but 
yourself ! But why don't you ask me to sit down ?— 
are these your manners ? 

Eb. If I could but keep him engaged till Mirza 
returns — I'll bring you a seat directly, Buffardo ; and 
what's better, something to eat. 
Buf Ay, do. 

Eb. If I could but detain him till Mirza ar- 
rives — (aside) [exit 
Buf. I mus'n't tell her about master Mirza, or I 
shall never get her out of the house. Nobody on the 
watch, I hope — but I thought I heard two voices as I 
entered— a closet ! \pfiens the closet^ which afifiears 
empty.} 

B 2 



18' ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

ebra enters, with a seat. 

Eb. What are you doing there ? he surely doesn't 
suspect— why don't you help me with the table ? Is 
this your court-breeding ? 

Buf Beg your pardon, beg your pardon, upon my 
honour ; but, really, my head's so full of state af- 
fairs, you must excuse me, [music] {they bring on 
table, tJfc) Ah, ah ! this looks well — this is all right. 
(seats himself) — won't you pick a bit ? 

Eb. Not till Mirza returns. 

Buf. No — then you'll have a devil of an appetite 
the next time you eat. (aside. J 

selim afifiears at the closet. 

Eb, Now tell me the meaning of all your fine 
speeches about the sultan. 

Buf. Why, the meaning is, that Zembuca thinks 
you just as tempting as I do this chicken, and wants 
you to return with me to the seraglio ; therefore, you 
had better get yourself ready ; and by the time you 
are dressed to your liking, I shall be sufficiently re- 
freshed to walk back with you. {while buffardo 
is eating ', selim is writing on a fiafier) 

Eb. Impudent coxcomb ! but I'll match him. {sees 
SELIM beckoning) she takes the fiafier ', and reads) — 
w Agree to his desire, and I will go in your place, dis- 
c< guised in the dervise habit which before concealed 
" me." 

Buf. {eating) Well, what do you say ? will you do 
as you are desired ? 

Eb. I will I (selim makes signs of acknowledg- 
ment.) 

Buf That's right — it isn't every day that such 
good things fall, as it were, into a person's mouth. 

{eating 

Eb. But the voice — that alone will betray, {aside) 

Buf And, if you can but contrive to hold your 
, tongue so long, and muffle yourself up in a cloak, no- 
body will see or hear you— so you needn't be afraid 



Act I] ZEMBUCA. 19 

of your character. I assure you, Zembuca has a great 
regard for you in that respect. 
' Eb. Why, to be sure, it is a great temptation ; but 
I'm afraid when I get there, you'll only make a fool 
of me. 

Buf. No, no, I'll take care of that ; one of my 
trade's quite enough. 

Eb. Then, if I were to go 

Buf The sultan would give you as warm an em- 
brace, as I do this jug of liquor, {drinking) 

Eb. Well, then, I'll put on the cloak of an old 
dervise that sometimes lodges here. 

Buf That's a good thought of yours. Do, put it on, 
and I'll drink " Success to the sham dervise, and 
may his cloak answer every intention of the wearer." 

[drinks 

Eb. Thank you, Bufifardo, thank you, heartily. 

Buf But make haste, or by the time you are dis- 
guised as a dervise, I shall be disguised in liquor. 

Eb. Don't look at me while I put on my dress. 

Buf O, no — decency, decency, my dear ! 

Eb. When I say, " ready 1" you may look, but I 

shall not speak another word after— — {pause) 

Ready ! 

Buf So am I. {rising) Come, that's the most sub- 
stantial joke I've had to-day. {he sees selim in dis- 
guise, ebra having entered the closet) By the beard 
of Mahomet, you look a strapper in that dress ; but 
it's no wonder, I'm grown very high myself since I 
got into the road to preferment — so, come along, my 
love — come along, my charmer. {exeunt 

scene v. — interior of the palace. 

enter korac. 

Ko. Once more, for the last time^ I'll probe Zem- 
buca's heart ! If any spark of honour yet remain, I'll 
rouse it to a flame ; but should I find him lost indeed 
to every sense of feeling and of shame, I may behold 
his fall without a pang. 



20 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

enter buffardo, conducting selim. 

Buf This way, this way ; — now v if his high might- 
iness the sultan doesn't say I've done the thing neatly, 
I say he's no judge of an ambassador — that's all. 

Ko. Buffardo ! who hast thou conducted to this for- 
bidden spot ? know you not the punishment ? 

Buf. Hold your tongue ; it's only a tit-bit for the 
sultan. 

SeL Korac here ! Could I discover myself ! {aside) 

Buf. {to selim) That's right — imitate the gruff 
voice of a man, and you'll not be discovered. This 
is a worthy dervise, come to advise with the sultan. 

[while buffardo turns to korac, selim opens 
the cloak, and discloses himself— a scarf dro/is 
from the folds."] 

Ko. Ah ! is it so ? 

Buf Yes, it is so, indeed — you may well be sur- 
prised at seeing such a person here. Bless your soul, 
it's only the little blue-eyed Ebra ! Zembuca has ta- 
ken a fancy to her, and made me plenipotentiary on 
the occasion. 

Kg. I comprehend — your companion would attend 
on Almazaide. (selim bows.) 

Buf Ah ! that's a very good excuse. 

Ko. Come, I'll lead the stranger in : Zembuca is in 
his closet, where no one but myself is privileged to 
enter. 

Buf Ah ! now I've done the work, you want to 
touch the reward — hey ? 

Ko. Do not believe it. I promise, that whatever 
recompense Zembuca may think you merit, shall be 
yours alone. 

Buf Well, go along with him, Ebra, and don't 
tremble so — bless you, the danger's over now. (se- 
lim crosses to korac) Korac will soon show you 
the person you came to see — won't you, Korac ? 

Ko. That I will, be confident. 

[exeunt korac with selim 



Act /] ZEMBUCA. 21 

Buf Come, I think the sultan will shower his re- 
wards upon me pretty thick for that job ! what have 
we here ? a scarf ! — {flicking up the scarf which 
selim drofit) — A general's scarf ! here's more luck 
— then Selim was in the cottage, and this has stuck 
in the folds of Ebra's cloak. I'll be after him directly. 
If I should find him — ten thousand sequins ! and no 
fees to pay ! Oh, Lord ! 'twill make a man of me 
ten thousand sequins I [exit 

[music] 

scene vi. — a splendid apartment in the seraglio — 
stefts ascend to an archway in the centre-) through 
which appear a balcony and veranda — dark — the 
front is brilliantly illuminated — lively music heard 3 
and Almazaide, splendidly dressed, advances from 
the veranda — as she closes the curtains with which 
the archivay is hung, the music ceases. 

Aim. To escape is hopeless ! the veranda leads into 
the gardens of the Harem, surrounded by walls and 
lined with sentinels — here then I must await my des- 
tiny — yet think not, Zembuca, these glittering toys, 
these false and fleeting pleasures can ever win me to 
thy arms ! oh, Selim ! Selim ! fly to the rescue of the 
wretched Almazaide — leave me not to wear the garb 
of vice, while virtue swells my heart. 

enter korac, from veranda. 

Ko. Alone ! 'tis fortunate ! 

Aim. Who art thou ? 

Ko. The friend of Almazaide. 

Aim. Almazaide has no friend but Allah and her 
Selim. 

^Ko. Yes, one more — Korac. Nay, doubt me not— 
Selim is at hand, in safety, and unknown. 

Aim. Selim ! Selim ! said you ? noble-minded man ! 
what hast thou risked to save me ? 

Ko. That which thy noble Selim gave — my life S 
For his sake, for your own, be careful ; one incautious 



V ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

word would now destroy us-be patient-be confident 
--and, when the tune best serves— Korac the slave 
shall make this tvrant tremble ' 

lorf my^^^ 16 **•* ^ Where > where is "7 
Ko. He waits at the veranda ; I have removed the 

guard, and will conduct him to you. froine 

„ TT [bugle heard without] 
Aim .Undone ! undone ! it is the sultan. 

of to danger, f ^ *** '' * ^^ n ° W appHse him 

[bugle again, and music without! 
—be calm, and leave the rest to me. 

[music louder"} 
dancers advance, and attendants— lastly , Zembuca 

Zem. By Mahomet, she blooms as fair as when my 
eager love first sued to win her smiles ! Beauteous 
Aimazaide, let all remembrance of the past be buried 
in oblivion, and live henceforth for joy, and for thv 
prince ! J 

Aim. Who can absolve the pledge of faith,— who 
can absolve the plighted vows to Allah, and my affi- 
anced husband ? J 

Zem. Still this obdurate folly ! 

Aim. Oh, prince ! restore him, and 1 bless thee ! 

f kneeling 

Zem. You know the terms— accept them. 
m Aim. Never ! My heart is Selim's, but my honor 
is mine own ! still shall you find me firm in my faith 
to him— invulnerable to thee. 

Zem Presumptuous girl ! yet, even in her aneer 
lovely !~Come, haughty fair-one, mar not the pre- 
sent hour With frowns, but weigh the difference be- 
tween a vassal's grovelling love, and Zembuca's Fa- 

[Zembuca advances to Aimazaide— she catch- 
es the eye of Korac, and takes the firoffered 
hand of the sultan, who leads her to an otto- 
man, which has been jilaced by the attendants 
at the side] 



vour. 



Act I'] ZEMBUCA. 23 

Ko. That's well. Now could I but reach the ve- 
randa, and prevent his entrance. 
Zem. Korac, stand near us. 

[Korac looks anxiously towards the archway, 
bows, and crosses to Zembuca.] 
— Commence your revelry. 

[a ballet is here performed^ 
Zem. 'Tis well ! — give me the cup. 

[The attendants step, forward with wine— the 
dancers are so dispersed, as to face the sultan, 
and to leave the archway exposed. At the 
instant Zembuca turns and offers the cup to 
Almazaide, she utters a cry of terror, andfalls 
back. Korac springs up the steps, and forces 
back Selim, who has suddenly appeared, and 
throwing open the remaining part of the dra- 
pery, turns to answer the surprise of Zem- 
^ buca.] 
Zem. Why this alarm ? 

Ko. The heat of the apartment, nothing more— a 
deadly paleness overspread her features, and I has- 
tened to remove the cause. 
Zem. She faints 1 look to her. 
Ko. Those curtains now withdrawn, all will be 
well. 
Aim. Surely I beheld the features of — 
Ko. Of Zembuca— behold he is still here ! 
Aim. I am unused to midnight revelry — so please 
you, 1 would be alone. 

Zem. Speak, and you command. I leave you to 
repose— let all retire. [all retire 

— But avoid reflections on the past; wear now Zem- 
buca ever in thy heart. [exit 
Aim. I could not have been deceived. 

[music— Korac advances to the archway.] 

selim enters. 

Sel. Almazaide! 

Aim. It is— it is my Selim ! 



24 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

[They fly to each other's embrace .—Music in» 
creases to violence 9 and Zembuca heard."] 
Zem. (without) Let none pass in or out the for- 
tress ! 

Ko. Zembuca's voice ! 
Aim. Fly, Selim, fly to the veranda I 
Ko. 'Tis in vain, the garden is beset by troops. 
Zem. (without) Let every post be doubly guarded 
—this is the scarf of Selim ! 

Ab. ( without J We found it in the apartment of 
Buffardo. 

Zem. ( entering ) Indeed, treacherous villain ! then 
'twas he admitted— a stranger ! seize on the traitor ! 
[music] 
[They secure him — his cloak falls off] 
—Selim ! 

Sel. Ay, deceitful tyrant! Selim, thy injured friend ! 
Come, lead me to my fate ! — thy tyranny may m- 
umph for a while, but the day of retribution will ere 
long arrive, and hurl destruction on thy guilty head ! 
Zem. Drag him to his death. 
Ko, (aside to Almazaide) 'Tis our last hope ! 
(draws his scymitar)— The chains of death are on 
him. 

Zem. Korac, I will not trust thee,-— thou art treach- 
erous ! 
Ko. Not so — I too have been deceived. I 

Zem. Away. 1 to prison ! 
Ko. To prison I 

Aim. Spare, oh spare my Selim, and let Alma- 
zaide die ! 

[music] 
[Almazaide struggles to accompany Selim, who 
runs to the veranda- "armed men rush for- 
ward and prevent his escape — Almazaide 
faints in the arms of Zembuca, and Korac rai- 
ses his scymitar over the head of Selim— cur- 
tain falls] 



Act II ] ZEMBUCA, 25 

ACT II. 

scene I. — the net-maker* & cottage. 

EBRA discovered at a table — a lamp, burning — effect 

of moonlight through the window, 

[music expressive"] 

[ebra listens — music ceases'] 

EB. I am again deceived ? each step I hear, ex- 
hausted patience makes me believe my husband's. — 
What can have happened ? I dread, I fear the worst ; 
but this suspense is terrible. — Oh, my poor Mirza ! 
the aga too :— no tidings yet of him — perhaps they 
are alike involved, and— 

[korac appears at the window."] 

Ko. 'St ! 'st ! 

Eb. Again I I could not be mistaken I 

Ko. Fear not — 'tis Korac* [looking in] 

Eb. Welcome, welcome ! 

korac enters. 
Yet Mirza, — but I dare not enquire— 

Ko. Are you alone ? 

Eb. Quite. 

Ko. Then all is safe — advance ! — 
mirza enters. 

Mir. Ebra ! my dear Ebra ! 

Eb. Oh, joy t joy ! (running to him} But how ! 
tell me, where is the aga } 

Mir. In the tyrant's fangs. 

Eb. But you — 

Mir. Have been rescued by Korac. 

Ko. Quick, close the window — (ebra closes it) — 
we have no time to lose in explanation — Selim must 
be released — 'tis a desperate enterprise ; but with 
my aid, Mirza must attempt it. 

Mir. Willingly. 

Eb. (advancing) No, no ! I have endured too 
much already. — While we may in safety, let us quit 
this place for ever, 

C 



26 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

Mir. And leave our friends to perish ! 

Eb. Oh ! Korac, if it was in your power to re- 
lease my husband, why not, at the same moment, 
have given Selim liberty ? 

Ko. Mirza was in my custody, and his escape will 
not be known till day-break ; but Zembuca (though 
still secure in my fidelity) knows me for the friend of 
Selim, and with jealous eye watches me at every turn. 
The aga's prison lies in that part of the fortress which 
overhangs the river ; and to reach it undiscovered, 
was impossible. 

Mir. How then do you propose ? 

Do. Pass in a boat across — land on the opposite 
shore, and I will meet you on the wails. 

Mir. It shall be done. 

Eb. But, how to scale them ? 

Mir. Easily ; leave that to me, with your assist- 
ance — I have enough netting in the loft above, to as- 
cend a minaret. 

Ko. 'Tis well ; but that I may be sure of your ap- 
proach, let your boy chaunt the boatman's evening 
song — meanwhile, and 'tis a serious charge, you, 
Ebra, must convey this packet to the shiek Moham- 
med, [giving packet 

Eb. He that now commands the janissaries? 

Ko. The same ; he lies encamped eastward of the 
city. The contents of that will urge the soldiers with 
resistless motives to espouse the cause of Selim, and 
ere the sun appears, Zembuca falls, unpitied and 
despised, and we are slaves to tyranny no longer. 

Eb. Indeed ! that hope inspires my heart with more 
than woman's courage. 

[korac, having ofiened the door, returns'] ' 

Ko. Stay, one thing I had forgot — the tower that 
flanks the northern entrance is the weakest part of 
the fortress — bid him strike there. 

Eb. I will be sure on't. 
[buffardo takes advantage of korac 9 s opening 

the door, enters and conceals himself behind the 

curtain] 

Ko. Farewell ! success ba with you. 



Act II] ZEMBUCA. 27 

Eb. Oh, doubt it aot ! success must be with those 
who fight for freedom. [exit Korac 

[buff ar do being exposed, runs behind the curtain'] 

Mir. Now follow, and help me to prepare ; the 
tide ebbs fast, and we have no time to lose. 

Eb. I am ready ; come. 
[During her dialogue with korac, ebra secures 

the packet, and exits, following m i r z a — b uffar- 

do then sneaks forward'] 

Buf Oh yes, 'tis Selim, sure enough — any fool can 
see that, though he drest himself up in Ebra's clothes. 
The dog looks well enough in petticoats, and if their 
voices were not so different, I might have been de- 
ceived. But how came Mirza here ? oh, I suppose 
the sultan prefers the company of his wife—here he 
is again, (retreats) 

enter mirza with a dag — ebra dragging a heap, 
of netting, to which is attached loops, 

Mir. Now, Ebra, place it in the bag. 

Buf Ebra ! why it is Ebra ! then, who the devil 
have I taken to the palace? (aside) 

Eb. I must be careful not to entangle it. 

Mir. Bui how did you contrive to get Selim into 
the seraglio ? 

Eb. Oh— ha! ha! I sent him muffled up in the 
dervise dress, with that fool Buffardo. 

[buffardo expresses amazement] 

Mir. Indeed I then the scarf by which he was dis* 
covered must have dropt by accident ; it was found 
in BufFardo's apartment, whom they searched for in 
vain. His punishment at best would have been a 
sound whipping, and the loss of his ears ; but, having 
left the palace, 'tis a chance now if he escapes the 
bowstring. 

[buffardo expresses great horror"] 

Eb. Poor fellow ! then I suppose, by this time, he 
is too anxious about his neck, to think much of his 
ears. 

Mir. Zembuca swears vengeance on him, and the 



28 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

only chance to escape, is to return, and prove his in- 
nocence — ah ! 

jjviiRZA goes to the closet, an.l takes a fioniard 
from it — as he closes the door, he ees buffar- 
do's legs beneath the curtain, and starts for- 
ward] 

Eb % Mirza! {amazed at the action) 
Mir. Hush ! we are observed, betrayed !—-we 
must leave the house instantly. 

[a distant 'rum heard] 
Eb. A drum ! (in terror looking through the lat- 
tice'] — Ah! I see guards approaching. 
Buf. Guards ! — oh lord ! 

Mir. Guards ! be silent : no doubt in search of 
that fool Bufiardo— 'tis no affair of ours. I must 
hasten to the boat-— come- wife, 'tis a clear night, and 
you shall along with me. Be sure you lock the 
door, — fast bind, safe find, they say $ — so, stick to 
the old proverb. 

[during the latter speech, mirza filacer the fioni- 
ard in his belt— throws the bag over his shoul- 
der^ and is assisted eagerly by ebra, who 
glances her eye round the ro m, in search of the 
object of their alarm—they go out and lock the 
door] 

[the drum heard aU intervals] 
hiif. (after attempting to often the door, advances) 
Fast bind, fast find— blocks and bowstrings ! they'll 
find mel Oh, Mahomet ! if yea ever took pity on a mi- 
serable mussulman, now's your time — they are coming 
this way— coming for my ears ! perhaps, for my 
head ! oh, if I could but transfer my punishment 
with my place, how gladly would I deliver up the 
seals of office ! 

[loud knock— music] 
[buffardo rushes ufi the stairs — the lattice-work 
of the window and door are forced, ' with a 
crash— hasem enters with guards — by his di- 



Act II] ZEMBUCA. 29 

section, they separate in search- — while he ex- 
amines the ape ftment, buffardo drops across 
the window] 
Has. (seeiig him rise and run) He escapes!. 

(guard*, „nter) Follow, follow to the bridge \—(they 

rush after in pursuit.) 

[music, hurrying and expressive] 

scene n> — the shore beneath the walls of the for- 
tress — *a platform with a watch-tower — the 
water-gate of the fortress in the middle dis- 
tance, beyond which, other parts of the build- 
ing—a bright moon-light — a sentinel on guard—* 
after symphony, which commences as the scene 
is disclosed] 

VOICE* PIANO. 

Pall away, pull away ! the stream is deep ; 
But labour once over, I soundly sleep 5 
Pull away, pull away ! the tide to save ; 
My bark must fly swift o'er the rippling wave. 

[korag appears on the walls'] 
Sen. Who's there ? 
Ko. A friend. 
Sen. The word ? 
Ko. Zembuca ! 

\inusic— the relief enters — guard is relieved, du- 
ring which the boat has approached the shore — 
as the relief departs, the boatman's song is re? 
sumed in a louder strain] 

My voice shall keep time to the murmuring oar, 
My song be re-echoed from shore to shore ; 
And gaily I'll cut through the sparkling foam, 
And the moon beams will light me in safety home. 

* One stanza of the boatman's song omitted after the first repre- 
sentation, 

e 2 



SO ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

Ko. 'Tis the signal ! 'tis Mirza. Once past the 
sentinel, he is safe. 

[the boat disappears behind the platform.^ 
.All is yet well — he lands — advances. 
[mibza appears — as the sentinel makes a turn on 

the parade, he observes hirn\ 

Sen. How's this ! a stranger beneath the walls ! 
stand ! who are you ? 

Mir, A friend. 

Sen. What are you ? 

Mir. A fisherman. 

Sen. What have you there ? 

Mir. The produce of my labour. 

Sen. I must see it. 

Mir. Impossible, 

Sen. How \ 

Mir. The officer of the janissaries told me I 
might pass unmolested. 

Sen. Indeed! then you know the watch- word — let 
me hear it. 

Mir. The watchword ! s'death ! I know it not — 
Korac forgot to apprize me. 

Sen. The word, I say J 

Ko. Zembuca. {from the wall) — (mirza looks 
around amazed) 

Sen. What said you ? 

Mir. Didn't you hear ? Zem — Zembuca — 

Sen. Right— you may pass. 

[mirza observes korac, who leaves the wall— a 
shot is heard without, repeated at a distance— 
drum, at the sound of which, the sentinel runs 
out. — mirza throws the netting over the bat" 
tlement, and ascends the wall, the net serving 
as a ladder — as he draws it after him, buffar- 
do rushes across the stage, looking back in 
terror, as if pursued. ds> the guards enter, 
mirza having drawn up the net, disappears 
from the wall, and the musk which has accom* 



Act III ZEMBUCA. 31 

fianied the preceding action, bursts into the 
following] 

CHORUS*. 

Follow, follow, follow near, 
The rash intruder must be here ; 
Conceal'din dusky shade he lies- 
Escape is vain ; the traitor dies ! 

Follow, follow, follow, now 
The outlaw to his fate must bow ; 
Success will soon reward our pains, 
And his reward be death or chains- 
Follow, follow ! 

[exeunt 

scene in. — within the walls, — stefis of rough 
stone work running up, to the left, as leading 
to the ramparts — a small, but heavy and deefi 
portal seen in the wall, the whole exhibiting 
marks of decay but great strength — the re* 
port of a musket heard, and buffardo instant* 
ly darts through the door, and secures it after 
him. 

[music"] 

Buf I am just in time — I heard the bullet whiz 
close to my head ! — a purse-bearer never ran so fast 
before — I have sprained my back jumping from Mir- 
za's cock-loft, and have been hunted like a badger, 
by a pack of — if that damned fellow with the long 
whiskers had fired a moment sooner, I should have 
had it.— 'Tis well I secured a retreat, — but, if I don't 
see Zembuca, and explain this blunder before I'm 
. caught by one of these savages, I shall be strangled 
by mistake— hey ! 

* This chorus omitted after the first representation, owing to the 
length of the piece. 



32 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

korac enters — buffardo listens in terror. 

Ko. Not here ! — I heard the guard in loud confu- 
sion on the shore, — if they should take him, he'll 
hang alive, food for vultures. 

Buf O Lord ! 

Ko. What noise ? I heard him ! — he must have 
passed the wall — this way, perhaps. 

Buf. Hanged alive ! — food for vultures ! what's to 
be done ? If I stir, I'm lost — if I stay, I'm found di- 
rectly — Another ! — it's all over. 

enter mirza. 

Mir. The murmuring of the breeze deceived me, 
or I heard his voice ; he couldn't have left this spot — 
now, my good poniard, I may need thy service. 

Ko. 'Tis he ! I was not mistaken, (advancing, 
mirza lifts his poniard). — Hold ! 'tis thy friend! 
[At this moment^ Buffardo being on the ground 
between Korac and Mirza, he exclaims^] 

Buf. Hold ! hold ! I beseech you — I'll take it as a 
particular favor. Oh ! Korac, my dear friend — I ne- 
ver was so glad to be a dear friend in all my life. 

Ko. Buffardo here ! 

Buf Ay, I am here, — I wish I was any where 
else — I'm on the look-out for the rascal that has just 
past the wall. 

Mir. Indeed! (again raising his poniard) 

Buf Now don't— don't flourish that spiteful-looking 
thing about. 

Ko. You ! — you in search of— 

Buf Yes, to be sure — why you don't suspect that 
all this hue and cry was after me, do you ? 

Mir. Oh, 'tis evident, — the fool betrays himself. 

Buf Hey ! why it's Mirza, as I'm alive ! 

Ko. What said you ? 

Buf Why, I said it— it's a mercy I'm alive !— I 
wish you would not be so snappish. 

Ko. Come, follow to the palace. 

Buf To the palace with— 



Act III ZEMBUCA. 33 

Ko. With a witness, who can swear to the person 
who just now created this alarm. 

Mir. Ay, he who entered that door. 

Buf A witness ! what did he see then ? — It's time 
for me to be off, here's some mischief brewing — O, if 
I could but turn the tables on my dear friend Korac, 
and recover my ascendancy in Zembuca's cabinet, 
who knows but I may live to be prime vizier, after 
all I {exit Buffardo 

Ko. Now then away with speed ; near at hand I 
have provided means that will pass you unquestioned, 
unnoticed, even to Selim's prison. 

Mir. Which way does it lie ? 

Ko. I will conduct you ; — oh, Mahomet ! should the 
efforts of thy servants in the cause of justice be suc- 
cessful now , Korac's measure of content is full. 

\exeunt 

scene IV.—-0 prison— in the back a gallery, aboup 
halfway ufi the wall, with strong bars of iron in- 
terwove with spears, beneath which stands a table ; 
on the right, a grated entrance in an angular di~ 
rectionfrom the gallery to a column ; on the oppo- 
fiosite side, Selim is discovered, chained — music— 
the spear guard appears in the gallery, with bas* 
ket, lamp, l$c. — he looks down on Selim as he pas* 
ses— after a pause, Almazaide is seen in the gaU 
lery. 

Aim. I can go no further — terror and fatigue op* 
press me, and I faint, sink, {she leans against the 
bars) 

(Selim starts , and listens) 
Ah ! I hear the clank of chains — perhaps the chains 
of Selim. 

Sel. That voice ! my name, too ! I could not dream 
it — 'tis she, 'tis Almazaide ! 

Aim. Selim ! O, my dear Selim ! let me fly to your 
release ! 

Sel. Impossible ! my chains are locked, the entrance 
is secured— return, return, I charge you ; if you are 



34 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

found endeavouring to assist me, they will destroy us 
both. 

Aim. When danger threatens Selim, where should 
Almazaide be found, but sharing his calamity, and 
striving to avert it ? no ! I will not return ; if we 
may not exist together, at least we'll die so. 

Sel. How have you contrived to reach this dreary 
mansion ? had you accomplices ? 

Aim. I had, courage and true faith I — they may be- 
friend me still — confident that I could not escape, 
Zembuca left me in the harem unattended ; I took 
advantage of the darkness — I have followed the foot- 
steps of the spear-guard through the mazes of this hi- 
deous labyrinth, and — 
Sel. Hush ! 

[music'] — (guard appears at the entrance, en- 
ters, and leaves the gate ajar while he deposits 
lamp on table) 
Guard. See, I have brought you some refreshment. 
Sel. Repose will now refresh me more than food — 
these chains prevent my sleeping. You have the key, 
and may release me from their weight. 

Guard. I have the key, but to use it as you re- 
quire, is not in my orders — (hangs it on a hook above 
the table). 

Sel. Does compassion interfere with duty ? You 
were taught otherwise, when under my command. 
Guard. A brave soldier must not feel compassion. 
Sel. No soldier can be truly brave without it ! 
Guard. Zembuca thinks differently — he may be 
wrong, but I dare not disobey him. 

[while speaking, he takes the lamp and hangs it 
against the column opposite to Selim — Alma- 
zaide is seen reaching to the key, but with' 
draws her arm when the guard turns'] 
— Come, taste your bread, and eat heartily, while I 
prepare my mattrass. Ere long I shall be for guard 
upon the ramparts. 

[music — guard retires beneath the gallery, and 
prepares his mattrass — during this Almazaide 



Act II] ZEMBUCA. 35 

gets one of the spears, reaches the key, and 
drops it into the jug, Selim observing her.] 
Guard, {returning) Come, eat. 
Set. I cannot eat, my mouth is dry and feverish. 
Guard. Then drink — the contents of this jug will 
comfort you. 

[music— after giving it, he goes to the opposite 
side, and trims the lamp"} 
— Has it revived you ? 

[Selim has taken the key from the jug and unlock* 
ed his chains'] 
Set. Much, much ! 

[music — guard goes to the door — locks it, and 
retires to his couch. 
Sel. This key must be returned, (aside) 

[Selim, in reaching to replace the key, drops the 
chains from his gripe, and immediately falls 
upon them, holding the belt round him. At the 
same instant, Almazaide utters a cry of alarm, 
and the guard starts forward — (pause) — 'ad' 
vances suspiciously, takes the jug and bread, 
replaces them on basket, and notices the key] 
Guard. All is safe ; but 'I thought — did not you 
hear a noise in the gallery ? 

SeL The echo of a creaking door, nothing else. 
Guard. A light advancing ! — *tis Zembuca ! he 
comes to visit the prison — I must be ready. 

Sel. Zembuca ! then Almazaide perishes ! she can- 
not pass him, cannot enter, (aside) 

[music— march. As they pass above, the guard 
in haste kicks back his mattrass, throws bas- 
ket on it, unlocks, and throws open the door ; 
then taking his spear, which he had left against 
the column, stands as on duty. — At the moment 
he turns from the door for the spear, Alma- 
zaide darts through it and conceals herself] 

guards, slaves, &c. enter, followed by zembuca. 

Zem. *Tis well ; these chains become a traitor, 



36 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

SeL Indeed ! then it were fit Zembuca wore them* 
—Why come to mingle insult with thy cruelty ? 

Zem. I am come to hear a fixed resolve to what I 
shall propose — mark me ! your scattered troops, 
joined with the rebel army, have sent an insolent de- 
mand, that you, their general, be restored. Rather 
than shrink beneath their threats, these towers shall 
be Zembuca's tomb — sign this paper — betray them to 
the ambush I have formed, and life, with liberty, 
again are yours. 

SeL I will not betray them. 

Zem. Remember the alternative — speak ! 

SeL Then, thus I answer : for myself, I demand 
justice ; — for Almazaide, liberty ; — for your unhappy- 
subjects, mercy I — Render yourself immortal in the 
affections of your people — for time, that crumbles the 
inscription from a tyrant's monument, will make 
that indelible, which a virtuous prince impresses 
on the heart ;— a good king's memory will never pe- 
rish ! 

Zem. Your fate then is decided ; unless these mur- 
muring slaves return to their allegiance, you swing a 
lifeless corse above the battlements ! Those who de-y 
spise Zembuca's clemency, shall learn to fear his 
hate ! — Away ! 

[march"] 

[Zembuca retires with guards, slaves, l!?c, 
As Korac exits, Almazaide looks after 
him, from the table, and is observed by one 
of the black slaves, who lingers behind, and 
in the confusion is riot observed by the 
guard, till the rest repass the gallery. As 
the guard goes to lock the gate he sees hint] 

Guard. How's this ? why do you loiter here ? 

Slave. Have you not observed — 

Guard. What? 

Slave. A stranger concealed in the prison ? 

Guard. Concealed — who? 

Slave. A friead of Selim, 



Act 77] ZEMBUCA. 37 

Guard. Indeed, where ? 
Mir. Here ! 

[throws off the crafie, seizes guard, and holds 
a poniard over him\ 
Sel. Ah! Mirza! 
Aim. Mirza ! 

Guard. Help ! help ! treachery ! the guard ! the 
guard ! 

Mir. Another word, and 'tis your last. 

[Selim seizes him on the other side— -Alma- 
zaide takes the key, and advances^ 
Aim. Secure him, or we may be pursued ! The 
chains ! the chains ! 

[they place the belt round him, and Alma- 

zaide locks the chains — bugle heardP^ 

Mir. Lose not a moment ! fly to the walls that 

skirt the river, and you may pass them with the 

means by which I entered — the left avenue will lead 

you there in safety. 

[exeunt Selim and Almazaide 
[at the same moment, guards, with torches 
and sabres, rush across the gallery. ~] 
Mir. Ah ! already! One word, and this poniard 
is in your throat. 

[music^\ 
[Mirza crossing to the entrance, waits be- 
hind it. Other guards are seen following 
through the gallery. At the instant the 
guard rushes in, Mirza darts through the 
door and locks it — the other, hearing the 
gate close, turns, but is too late. While 
he struggles, Almazaide is seen borne 
through the gallery by guards — music ex- 
jiressive^ 

scene v.—- a Moresco hall in the fortress. 

Voices (without) Huzza ! huzza ! 
D 



38 ZEMBUCA. [Poccck 

buffardo enters in haste. 

Buf I never get clear of one scrape, but I tumble 
into another. 

Voices (without J Huzza! huzza! 

Buf. Ah, you may huzza till you're hoarse ! I'll 
not be shot at again to be made great mogul ! This 
is the consequence of being an orator, I must make 
speeches, and be damn'd to me ! " Soldiers," said 
I, 6t the enemy are at hand ; if you don't distinguish 
*' yourselves, depend upon it, they'll extinguish you : 
" therefore, fight like game-cocks, and cover your- 
" selves with glory." Upon which, the captain of 
the janissaries, taking me, that is, mistaking me for 
a hero, swore I should lead a party into the very 
thick of battle. 

Voices (without J Buffardo! Buffardo! 

enter hasan. 

Buf. That's the fellow, with the long whiskers, 
that let fly at me — well ! 

Has. You are waited for ; the rebels advance ; we 
expect fine sport. 

Buf Sport ! sport ! I wish you merry — pray don't 
let me keep you from the entertainment. 

Has. Why, you are appointed to head the sortie, 
and surprise the enemy. 

Buf Are you sure the enemy won't surprise us ? 

Has Why, they are very strong, so you had bet- 
ter prepare — there will be the devil to pay presently. 

[going 

Buf. The devil to pay, will there ? Then, as I am 
purse-bearer, curse me if I don't resign my office — fly, 
rascal, to your post, and say I am coming — when the 
fight's finished. 

["Hasan is met by officers and troops^\ 

Off. Halt! 

Buf. Ah ! some of us will halt with a vengeance, 
after the battle. 



Act W] ZEMBUCA. 39 

Off. Buffardo, you must remain here — the chief 
attack is expected on this side the fortress. 

Buf You don't say so ! 

Off We shall be safe enough yonder. 

Buf Shall you ? I wish I was of your party then. 

Off Our scouts inform me, there are no end to the 
troops who are advancing. 

Buf. Ah ! then there will soon be an end of me. 

Off Now plant your men upon the ramparts, and 
stand firm ! [exit officer 

[Hasan oecu/iiedin dressing the troops.'] 

Buf. I'll stand firm, as long as I can, you may 
take your oath ; and, when I've planted my men, as 
you call it, I'll transplant myself to a place of safety. 
Here's a horrid business ! they've stuck me in the 
post of honor !— -honor ! 'psha ! it never was in my 
department. 

[Jlouris/i] 

enter zembuca? korac, and guard, with alma- 

ZAIDE. 

Zem. Convey her to the tower that flanks the 
northern entrance, over the dry moat. 

Ko. Not there ! not there ! 'tis dangerous, should 
the foe strike there. 

Zem. I care not ; from that tower she shall behold 
the downfall of the rebel Selim. 

Aim. E'en lead me where you please ; Selim, my 
beloved Seiim ! has escaped thy tyrant grasp, and I 
shall now possess, even in death, a joy beyond thy 
power to deprive me of. 

Zem. Yon know your orders — obey them. 
[Aimazaide is led off — Zembuca perceives Buf- 
fardo fading himself behind the troops.] 
— Buffardo 1 villain! [BUFFARnofchrinks from him, 
terrified'} — should you have aided Belim in his flight, 
you pay the forfeit with your life. 

Buf Impossible ! my life is bespoke already, by the 
captain of the janissaries — oh, yes, I'm provided for. 



40 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

Zem. When you are returned, we shall enquire 
further — now, follow me, to punish treason, and sub- 
due rebellion ! [exit with troops 

Buf, When I'm returned, hey ? If ever I'm re- 
turned, it sha'n't be in the list of killed and wounded 
— I'll be one of the missing — my accommodating 
conscience is terribly bothered ; but if I can save my 
life, and retain my place, it's all the same to me 
which party gets into power. [exit 

scene the last — the exterior of the fortress 
— the body of the building, with ramfiarts and 
towers extending in perspective up the stage— 
a moat, dry, occupies the centre— a drawbridge 
raised over it — steps on the right ascend to a 
water-sluice^ shut. In the distance, various 
buildings appertaining to the palace and for* 
tress, beyond which are mountains, with a mina- 
ret on one of their summits. The appearance, 
early dawn ; the whole exhibiting a striking 
effect of repose and grandeur. 

ALMAZAiDE is seen in a grated window of the 
tower that flanks the bridge. 

Music, low and mournful, accompanies the open- 
ing, korac appears at the portal, and looks 
around the various parts as in search — notices 
almazaide — music ceases. 

Ko. Yes, in that tower she is immured, the very 
tower I warned them to attack ; 'tis true, I may re- 
lease her ; but to pass the moat without our friends 
to aid us ; — it must not be attempted — my heart mis- 
gives me, if Ebra should have lost that packet to the 
shiek Mohammed. 

ebra appears at the bridge platform. 
Round, round to the portal ! 



Act //] ZEMBUCA. 41 

£Korac crosses the stage, as Ebra goes from the 
platform- — the drawbridge slowly descends, and 
Mirza cautiously fiasses, securing it on the op- 
posite side with bolts, and disengaging the 
chains. Korac opening the gate, admits Ebra.] 

Ko. On one word all depends. \ 

Eb. 'Tis done ! 

Ko. Do they advance ? 

Eb. Rapidly. 

Ko. Can we be assured of their approach ? 

Eb. Yes, by the firing of the beacon. 

Ko. That on the hill ? 

Eb. Yes.— -Mirza ! 

mirza appears at the gate to them. 

Ko. Hush ! not so loud— how did you pass the sen* 
tinels ? 

Mir. I encountered none— all is confusion within 
the fortress — no man knows his station. I have se- 
cured the bridge — no power of theirs within can 
raise it. 

Ko. Say, Ebra, has Selim joined the shiek Mo- 
hammed ? ' 

Eb. He has. 

Ko. Zembuca's star grows pale ! 

Eb. The news contained in that packet, spread 
like wild-fire through the ranks, and all proclaimed 
the aga, sultan ! 

Ko. Indeed ! then is my atonement made. Korac 
is no longer burthened with a load of guilt. 

Eb. What mean you ? 

Ko. That paper was the dying confession of the 
vizier Ali, signed by his own hand, in the presence 
of Zembuca and myself. 

Mir. What did it disclose ? 

Ko. A secret, that I too long have kept. Urged 
by false pride, and a vile thirst of power, he, in their 
infancy, exchanged his own offspring for the heir of 



42 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

our last monarch— Selim is that heir,—Zembuca, 
Ali's son. 

[distant drum — and the beacon appears in fames 
on the hillT^ 

Eb. Ah ! the signal ! They come i — I see them 

on the mountains. 

Ko. The time is apt ! now prepare to receive the 
captive Almazaide. 

[exit Korac to the portal, on the fortress side 

[Mirza and Ebra retire behind steps that lead to 
the sluice — a soldier on the bridge soimds a 
horn, which is answered within — Zembuca on 
the ramparts — -from the time Ebra exclaims, 
" they come /" music, indicating march, strikes 
'very piano, increasing forte ; but as the dia- 
logue allows, according to the approach of the 
troops .] 

Zem. Up with the drawbridge. 

[sentinel appears on the bridge.^ 
Sen. We cannot raise it — the works are damaged. 
Zem. Cut it away, instantly. 

[the bridge is cut away, and falls into the moat '.] 
[music, louder"^ 

Zem. Now let all retire, and lie concealed within 
the walls — these slaves shall still believe us unpre- 
pared, and rush upon destruction ! {exit 

Eb. The bridge destroyed ! 

Mir. Then is their retreat cut off 

[Korac, with Almazaide, enters from the portal, 
and stop in despair at the edge of the ?noat^\ 
Ko. The bridge cut down ! what is to be done ? 

ah 1 I see a plank amidst the fragments. Fear not, 

Almazaide : I will release you from this tyrant's 

grasp, or perish in the attempt. 



Act II] ZEMBUCA. 43 

[Korac, holding by the chains that had supported 
• the bridge ) swings himself over the moat — he 
takes a plank from the fragments of the bridge^ 
which being insufficient to reach across, he 
props it with his shoulder , while Almazaide ad- 
vances, and leaps the remaining space into the 
arms of Selim, who appears on the platform. 
During this, Zembuca's following speech is 
heard — the moment Almazaide is across, Korac 
drops the plank, and those in pursuit appear— 
Korac seen climbing to the platform — Selim 
retires with Almazaide. 

Zem. Korac's voice ! Almazaide too ! Guards 1 
follow, [enters in front of the stage."] On your lives 
secure them. Curse on them, they escape ! 

Of The enemy are close upon us, the outposts are 
driven in, and they have entered the eastern gate. 

Zem. March them to the moat beneath ; there let 
our soldiers lie in ambush. Traitor ! 

Ko. [having gained the platform] Traitor I am 
none ; thou arc the traitor ; thou hast filled the seat 
of mercy with cruelty and oppression ; rebelled 
against our prophet's laws, and against thy lawful 
sovereign — Selim ! 

[Soldiers appear in the moat — Mirza and Ebra 
advance from behind the steps.] 

Eb. Do you observe? Zembuca's men have occu- 
pied the moat, — if we are overpowered,— 

Mir. The moat ! then we may still assist our 
friends. 

Eb. Ah ! the sluice ! the sluice ! 

Mir. Now, you rascals ! I'll cool your courage I 
[rushing up steps] Help, Ebra, help ! 

[Ebra follows him — they lift the flood-gate, and 
the water flows into the moat. At the instant^ 
shouts heard. Mivzs. u?ibolts the entrance, and 



44 ZEMBUCA. [Pocock 

Sclim's fiarty enter. At the same instant Zem- 
buca and his men Jill the front — -firing com- 
mences at the back) while the combat in front 
is continued. As Zembuca's party are driven 
by Selim's, and followed into the castle, the 
walls appear damaged — shells and bombs, &c. 
seen to pass to and from the fortress ; the 
moat afifiear s to Jill with water, and the' distant 
fiart of the building inflames. The combatants 
afifiear a second time in front — Korac combats 
with Zembuca ; — his sword, knocked from his 
gripe, is caught up, by Ebra, who comes from 
steps— the combat is renewed — Zembuca rush- 
es through the portal, followed by Korac. Zem- 
buca enters tower, the front of which falls, 
and discloses him in a perilous situation — the 
building blows up, the tower falls, and Zembu- 
ca, clinging to a rafter, is precipitated into the 
moat-—Se\im enters with Almazaide, Mirza 
preceding, and followed by Korac, — all bend 
the knee to Almazaide and S el im— general 
shout of the victors^] 



FINIS. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 






014 528 319 A 



